Bureau of Prisons Key Terms

Understand the prison system better by learning key terminology about the Bureau of Prisons
By Jessica Riendeau Each state has a bureau of prisons that's in charge of overseeing the management of each prison and correctional facility in its state. The Federal Bureau of Prisons manages all federal prisons and facilities. This network of prison bureaus makes up the structure of the correctional system in the country.
 

Because there are so many different prison bureaus, it's important understand a few key terms associated with prison bureaus and their facilities. Learn prison bureau terminology to better navigate the prison bureau systems.

Privately managed secure facility

Privately managed secure facilities, also referred to as private correctional centers, are state centers housing minimum security inmates that are usually first-time offenders.
Try: The Texas Department of Criminal Justice explains privately managed secure facilities & private correctional centers and their importance in corrections.

Bureau of Prisons Acquisition Policy

The Bureau of Prisons Acquisition Policy, often referred to as BPAP, is a funding policy that supplements the Federal Acqusition Regulation and ensures uniform internal acquisitions in each prison bureau.
Try: The Federal Bureau of Prisons explains the purpose of the BPAP and provides resources to read the policy and learn more.

Residential re-entry center

A residential reentry center is a housing program that gradually reintroduces inmates back into society in anticipation of their release. Reentry centers are organized and funded by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and require the inmates to work, meet curfew and meet other requirements.
Try: The Volunteers of America explains how the reentry center it runs through the Federal Bureau of Prisons helps inmates adjust to life outside prison and prepare them to lead successful lives.

Minimum security

Minimum security prison facilities mainly house first offenders and non-violent offenders and feature dormitory-style housing and a low ratio of staff to inmates. This is the lowest level of secured facility.
Try: Ezinearticles.com explains how to survive in a minimum security prison.

Maximum security

Maximum security prison facilities, also referred to as high security, house inmates that are violent offenders that pose a serious threat to society. These prisons feature cells with sliding locking doors and restrict inmate activities and privileges.
Try: The North Carolina Department of Corrections explains the different levels of security assignments in prisons and describes a maximum security prison.

UNICOR

UNICOR, also known as the Federal Prison Industries, is a government owned corporation that was established in 1934 to provide job training to confined prison inmates.
Try: Learn about the mission and history of UNICOR at its website.